Star Weekly - Northern - 28th February 2023

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28 FEBRUARY, 2023

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Art for the community Local artists are gearing up for the 32nd Annual Craigieburn Art Show.

Happening across the first weekend in March, the show brings works from the community to the community.

Exhibitor Mary Stephens said she has exhibited in the show for nearly 10 years and has enjoyed witnessing the growth of the show over the last decade.

“It’s so encouraging to see people who have never painted before become exceptional painters,” she said.

“We’re getting younger people who are bringing more modern art which is so good for us to experience.

“We are also seeing other people from ethnic backgrounds getting involved and they are bringing their art from their culture.”

Stephens said she is looking forward to once again seeing both her work and her fellow artists work on display at the show in March.

“Art has always been a passion of mine … it makes life more meaningful,” she said. “In the moment of painting all the stress goes away.”

The show is taking place between March 3 - 5 at the Hume Global Learning Centre.

Painter Mary Stephens.

(Damjan Janevski) 319175_01

Hoon crackdown looming

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People attending a hoon event or parked within 200 metres of a hoon event could be fined, under a proposed change to Hume council’s local laws.

Council is updating its local laws, with draft laws currently out for community consultation.

The introduction of a new clause in the laws that make it an offence to gather at a hoon event is one of a number of changes, with council also clamping down on dumped shopping trolleys, unsightly properties and clothing donation bins.

Speaking at a council meeting on Monday, February 13, councillor Naim Kurt said the new draft local laws were a significant piece of work.

“I am really excited to see we have more provisions for hoon driving,“ he said.

“We have worked very closely with Victoria Police around this to ensure that those who are within a 200 metre radius of a hoon event can be booked and fined.

“That should hopefully help to decrease some of the hoon driving that we see in our municipality.”

In January 2018, neighbouring Brimbank

council became the first council in the state to introduce anti-hoon laws. The local law made it an offence to participate in, encourage, or attend a hoon event without lawful excuse, and for a driver of a motor vehicle to stop or park in close proximity to a hoon event without lawful excuse. In the first three years, 327 infringements were issued in Brimbank.

Under the draft laws, retailers would required to mark their trade name on shopping trolleys and install coin-operated or perimeter constraint systems on trolleys in an effort to reduce the number of trolleys dumped around the municipality.

Cr Karen Sherry said council was “going a bit harder” on some offences, such as dumped shopping trolleys.

The draft laws also propose to restrict the installation of clothing donation bins by requiring bin owners to obtain a permit from council for bins installed in public and private land.

As reported by Star Weekly, illegal dumping and littering costs the council almost $2.6 million each year.

Residents can have their say on the draft local laws until March 31 via https://participate. hume.vic.gov.au/local-laws-review-2022.

Find a Kinder Program near you.

There is still time to enrol for the 2023 kindergarten year.

Find services offering approved kindergarten programs by scanning the QR code.

Find out more at vic.gov.au/kinder

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By Laura Michell

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Free Kinder is here!

Three- and Four-Year-Old Kinder is now free across Victoria at participating services — saving families up to $2,500 per year per child.

Over the decade, we’ll also transition Four-Year-Old Kinder into Pre-Prep to become a 30-hour a week program, and establish 50 Victorian Government-owned and affordable childcare centres.

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Learn more at vic.gov.au/kinder

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NEWS

Hume wants graffiti crackdown

By Elsie Lange Hume council will ask Victoria Police to come down harder on graffiti offenders, including on the illegal sale of spray cans to minors.

According to council officers, council spends about $120,000 a year on graffiti removal from council-owned public property.

Between May 2022 and January 2023, council responded to more than 750 graffiti service requests across the municipality.

The motion, raised by councillor Jack Medcraft at a council meeting on February 13, asked to write to the relevant police assistant

commissioner outlining council’s graffiti concerns, seeking more information about the “monitoring and enforcement” of shops selling aerosol paints.

“I wonder what’s happened here. If it’s an offence, I don’t recall seeing anybody in Sunbury or Bulla or anyone else that’s been arrested, charged and taken to task over this,” Cr Medcraft said.

“I would ask the police – if it’s an offence, it should be acted upon.”

He said even though it was an offence to sell aerosol paint to people under the age of 18, it was clearly still happening in the municipality.

“I think we’ve really dropped the ball here and police have got to start enforcing the action on these graffitists,” he said.

Hume city services and living director Hector Gaston said council officers reported “from time to time” instances of illegal activity related to graffiti to police.

Council officers said while larger retailers had strict controls in place to meet their requirements under the Victorian Graffiti Act 2007, including proof of age checks and locked spray can stock, council was aware “several, smaller discount retailers operating … that do not have such controls in place“.

“Increased inspections and enforcement action across these small businesses is critical to broader graffiti prevention efforts,“ council officers said.

Mayor Joseph Haweil said graffiti concerns were one of the top complaints council receive from residents every day.

“About the destruction of our built environment by people who I think are very selfish, who are going out there and destroying peoples’ property and indeed public property,” Cr Haweil said.

“Anything we can do to get on top of that … is a step in the right direction.”

Adopt a furever friend

St Monica’s College director of football and Western United A-League Women’s coach Mark Torcaso with St Monica’s year 10 students Sienna, Elias and Melanie, and coach Adriana Taranto. (Damjan Janevski) 319984_02

United extends school partnership Western United Football Club and St Monica’s College have extended their partnership, giving students access to the club, players and officials.

Under the partnership, which is in its second year, students will have the opportunity to train with Western United players, and will have access to Connor Pain, one of United’s more experienced players, and emerging player

Jake Najdovski.

St Monica’s College said further benefits, including enhanced game day experiences, will be available to families.

The school’s director of football Mark Torcaso is also the inaugural coach of United’s A-League Women’s team.

Principal Brian Hanley welcomed the

extension of the partnership.

“We are very excited to facilitate our Northern Football Academy students having this special access to the reigning A-League Men’s champion,” he said.

“We are proud to be associated with Western United Football Club and welcome them into our college.”

Prospective pet owners are being encouraged to check out the Epping Animal Welfare Facility’s new pet adoption webpage.

The facility, which is managed

by Whittlesea council on behalf of Merri-bek and Darebin councils, houses cats, dog, rabbits and guinea pigs.

The adoption site allow people to search for their furever pet and is updated daily with new listings.

All pets featured on the site have undergone health and temperament checks to ensure they are suitable for adoption. All pets come desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, flea and worm treated, according to Whittlesea council.

Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd said the new website will help connect pets with a loving new home.

“The wellbeing of animals in our care at the facility is of utmost priority. Our aim is to reunite owners with lost pets as quickly as possible, but this can’t always happen for a variety of reasons,” Mr Lloyd said.

“The pet adoption site will help the Epping Animal Welfare Facility connect future pet parents and their perfect friend.”

The pet adoption webpage provides information about each animal including their age and a biography.

“It is extremely important to council that pets are adopted into households that are suited to both parties,” Mr Lloyd said.

Details: https://www.petrescue. com.au/groups/12068

Nurses spring into action and save a life while at dinner In December 2022, Lloyd Filer attended his work Christmas party at Saluti Restaurant at Pacific Epping, where he suffered a heart attack.

Seated nearby was a table of Northern Health nurses, who attended to him, performed CPR and brought him to Northern Hospital for further care.

One of the nurses who provided medical attendance to Lloyd at the restaurant was Tara Softley, an endoscopy liaison nurse.

“Having to commence CPR out in the community was very daunting, and having a full restaurant watch on was very scary. Not only for us, but also for his work colleagues who were with him at the time. We were very grateful that a defibrillator machine was

nearby, and we were able to utilise it until the paramedics arrived,” she said.

For Tara, the whole experience was immensely rewarding. “Reflecting on the event, I am grateful for the career path that I chose.

To be able to assist someone in the community and have such a positive outcome was a very rewarding experience. To be able to speak with the patient on the phone weeks later was very surreal,” she said.

After spending a short time in the ICU, Lloyd completed two weeks of rehabilitation.

He has made a full recovery and is now back home with his family.

“I had no idea of the critical state of my heart health and have taken the opportunity

to remind my friends and family of the importance of a heart health check,” Lloyd said.

“As a former surf lifesaver, I’m also reminded of the importance of CPR training as a life skill. I will be eternally grateful to these nurses, as well as the other emergency workers who arrived and provided their assistance.”

Fellow endoscopy liaison nurse Janelle Davies also helped revive Lloyd. She said that personal medical information saved on his smartphone was critical, and something they were able to quickly access.

“Having medical information such as list of medications, medical history and allergies stored on your smartphone is invaluable to first responders,” Janelle said.

Northern Health staff Casey Muscat, Natasha Josevski, , Rebecca Garner, Tara Softley and Janelle Davis with Lloyd Filer. (Supplied) Tuesday, 28 February, 2023 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 3

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

New $5000 charity tipping limit

By Elsie Lange Hume council has updated its free tipping policy for charities, after it was found one unnamed organisation used the policy to the value of about $50,000 in 2021-22.

The policy was reviewed by council after it recently lapsed, with 11 organisations having used it in the past three years – a $5000 annual expenditure limit has now been imposed.

According to a report presented to council at a meeting on Monday, February 13, the changes

were only likely to impact one charity, and council was unable to disclose to Star Weekly the charities involved.

“As the organisations using the service haven’t provided approval to disclose their information, we’re unable to provide a list of organisations using the service,” council said.

“In terms of the charity who has used the free disposal available under the Free Tipping for Charitable Organisations policy more than others, council understands this is due to the nature of the organisation’s operations.

“Under the policy, any material disposed of must be produced within Hume … Based on the materials being disposed of, it’s difficult to know where the materials were generated from.”

In the report, council officers said they had attempted to get in touch with the nominated contact for the charity who had used the policy to the value of $50,000 on “numerous occasions” and had written to them requesting contact to discuss policy changes.

Councillor Carly Moore said the policy

allows Hume to support local charities doing important work in the community, but “unfortunately they do end up with quite an excessive amount of waste”.

“This is about supporting them and making sure they are able to dispose of that waste at no cost to themselves,” she said.

The report said outside of the change, the policy had been consistent with “current management practice” but administrative amendments were made. The policy changes are set to be implemented from July 1.

Appeal for volunteers The search is on for volunteers to help out with this year’s Good Friday Appeal, on Friday, April 7.

The Tullamarine-based Uncle Bobs Club (UBC) is on the hunt for intersection collectors, counting room volunteers and face painters and fairy floss sellers at the Kids Day Out at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

UBC fundraising and volunteer manager Stacey Ramadge said the club has been involved with the Good Friday Appeal since 1942.

“It all started with a few gentlemen who decided they wanted to do more for the children’s hospital. They donated one bob – as it was known back then – every week and visited the hospital. The kids knew this was happening and referred to the gentlemen as ‘uncles’ and that’s how the Uncle Bobs Club came about,” she said.

The club looks after all intersection collectors on Good Friday, as well as assisting

in the appeal counting room and at the Kids Day Out. Ms Ramadge said volunteers needed to be 16 years or older and have a police check, while counting room and Kids Day Out volunteers must also have a Working with Children Check.

Intersection collectors are needed from 10am-5pm, while the Kids Day Out runs all day, from 9am. Counting room volunteers are asked to work in the afternoon and evening.

Anyone interested in volunteering should call 9335 6300 or visit: ubcvic.org.au Laura Michell

The Uncle Bobs mascot, with volunteer Debbie Botha, fundraising and volunteer manager Stacey Ramadge and state president Steve Bates. (Damjan Janevski) 319543_01

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School journey starts

(Damjan Janevski) 225262_01

Twins Avinoor and Parinoor are eagerly counting down the days until school starts.

The sisters are among 168 preps starting at Hume Anglican Grammar next week, with 84 enrolled at each of the school’s two campuses at Mt Ridley and Donnybrook.

Schools across Hume and Whittlesea will begin welcoming their 2021 prep pupils from Thursday. This week will also Laura Michell mark the opening of three new By primary

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developments in the surrounding area. The submission stated that the airport is currently notified of planning permit applications as though it were a “third-party objector”.

“Unlike a determining or even recommending referral authority, its position on any application has no statutory significance,” the submission stated.

The submission cited recent applications and approvals which had the potential to generate a large number of noise complaints or impact on aircraft operations, including housing development in Phillip Street, Dallas, and a waste to energy facility proposed for Craigieburn.

It stated the airport receives about 20 noise complaints per month – a figure the airport says will rise in the coming years given the

number of people now living in areas impacted by aircraft noise.

Operators fear that if they are not granted a greater say in nearby developments, the airport could face constraints on its operations, such as a curfew or a reduction in airspace.

“Constraints such as restrictions on flight paths, aircraft volumes (even during daylight hours) and aircraft types are all potential risks to the flexibility that Melbourne Airport’s operations presently enjoy,” the submission states. “The introduction of any such restrictions would have significant and far-reaching consequences for both Melbourne Airport, and its contribution to the state economy.”

Melbourne Airport chief financial officer Grant Devonport said that if approved, referral

authority status would ensure the airport is consulted from the outset on developments subject to noise impacts, and those that have the potential to impact on aircraft operations.

A Hume council submission to the inquiry stated the council “remains committed to protecting Melbourne Airport’s 24-hour curfew free operation”. It said meeting the needs of the general population growth of Melbourne, Hume and other aircraft noise-affected municipalities, has been a source of tension at the planning permit stage.

“How to strike an appropriate balance between facilitating community needs and expectations against protecting the operations of Melbourne Airport is a difficult question that needs to be given very careful consideration.”

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Melbourne Airport has asked the state government to give it more power to intervene in developments which could impact aircraft operations or lead to noise complaints.

Airport operators Australia Pacific Airports (Melbourne) has made a submission to the state government’s Melbourne Airport Environs Safeguarding Committee, which was set up to advise the planning minister on improvements to the planning provisions safeguarding the airport.

In its submission, Melbourne Airport called for the government to designate it as a referral authority, meaning applicants would formally be required to consult with the airport on any

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Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Laura Michell

Airport bid for more power

At times during these works, there will be temporary lane closures and slow/stop traffic control.

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Twins Avinoor and Parinoor are eagerly counting down the days until school starts.

The sisters are among 168 preps starting at Hume Anglican Grammar next week, with 84 enrolled at each of the school’s two campuses at Mt Ridley and Donnybrook.

Schools across Hume and Whittlesea will begin welcoming their 2021 prep pupils from Thursday. This week will also mark the opening of three new primary schools in Hume and Whittlesea.

Mickleham’s Gaayip-Yagila Primary School, Greenvale’s Keelonith Primary School and Wollert’s Edgars Creek Primary School will all open their doors for the first time.

They are among eight new schools to open in Hume and Whittlesea over the next four years, with Kalkallo Commons Primary School, Greenvale Secondary College, Wollert East Primary School and a Catholic primary school in Mickleham scheduled to open in 2022.

A Catholic primary school in Greenvale is expected to open in 2023.

School journey starts

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New warehouse needed Bundoora charity Big Group Hug is seeking a new home after receiving notice to vacate it existing Bundoora warehouse by September 15.

The charity provides essential items for struggling families such as clothing, formula, cots, prams, car seats and activity packs for newborns to children aged 16 years of age.

Chief executive Bernadene Voss said new, larger warehouse in Melbourne’s northern suburbs would enable the organisation to support more families in crisis.

‘‘

Our focus right now is on finding a new, larger home to ensure that every child in our community has the essentials they need to - Bernadene Voss thrive

’’

“The move is timely,” Ms Voss said. “We have outgrown our current premises and need a larger space to serve our community as the demand for our aid continues to grow.

“We are on the precipice of major growth and to support this, we need a new home. In the last financial year, we supported 4271 children, so far this year we have already seen a 52 per cent increase in requests for help. Our service is essential for struggling families and mothers fleeing family violence with their children.”

Big Group Hug said vacancies in the commercial warehouse sector are limited, impacting on the organisation’s ability to secure appropriate accommodation at a charitable rate.

“We are calling on our wonderful community of supporters to please help spread the word in the hope we can find a new home,”

Big Group Hug marketing co-ordinator Emina Mesinovic in the current warehouse in Bundoora.

(Damjan Janevski) 320615_02

Ms Voss said. “We hope there is a person, or a group of people, in the community who can give us a new home or point us in the direction of someone who can. Our preference is the northern suburbs, where our core committed volunteer team is located, but I am open to exploring all opportunities available.”

Ideally Big Group Hug is looking for a 800-1000sqm warehouse, including suitable office space, with heating and cooling, in

Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Co-locating with a likeminded welfare or environmental agency is an option.

“Big Group Hug will continue, we do have a Plan B. But our focus right now is on finding a new, larger home to ensure that every child in our community has the essentials they need to thrive,” Ms Voss said.

If you’re able to help, please contact: bernadene@biggrouphug.org

NEWS

EPA action on fire risk A sharp-eyed Environment Protection Authority officer has spotted a potential fire hazard in Campbellfield and taken swift action to make sure the business concerned managed its fire risk.

The officer was enroute to an inspection when they spotted a large pile of combustible recyclable waste material [CRWM] including plastic bottles, bags and cardboard packaging, in Randor Street, Campbellfield.

About 300 bales of CRWM were stacked tightly together creating a major fire risk. Further investigation showed there was almost no fire prevention or management system on site.

The officer immediately issued notices on the business – Payless Import and Export – to cease accepting any more combustible materials and remove the pile to a place that was licenced to accept CRWM. Northern metropolitan regional manager Jeremy Settle said the EPA had been working hard to improve fire safety standards in the materials recycling industry.

“The risk to the environment and the community from CRWM recycling premises is well known, so the quick action taken by our officer was vital to community safety,” he said.

“All business in Victoria, and all Victorians, have a duty to take action to reduce their environmental risks and this was not happening in this case.

“We are monitoring the site and expect it to be back in compliance by the end of the month.”

What’s on

Explore the world around us

The City of Whittlesea Community Festival is back this March, bigger and better than ever!

Held within Council’s Civic Precinct and Plenty Ranges Arts & Convention Centre (PRACC) in South Morang, the festival will have loads of free entertainment for the whole family with live performances, free activities, art installations, live music, market stalls, delicious food, roving performers, cultural activities and much more.

Sunday 19 March 11am – 5pm 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang For more information visit, arts.whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Kindergarten Open Days Kindergartens across the City of Whittlesea are opening their doors to help parents, carers and children to get a better idea of the kindergarten facilities and what they have to offer!

We have two open sessions are happening on the following dates: Thursday 2 March, 5.30pm – 7.30pm Saturday 4 March, 9.30am – 11.30am To find out what kindergartens are participating in the Kindergarten Open night make sure to visit, www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/events

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SES volunteer lauded VICSES Craigieburn unit deputy controller Harminder Singh has received the Stuart Taylor Award trophy for Best Performance of the Games at the opening of the Victoria Police and Emergency Services Games. Mr Singh was awarded at the launch on Tuesday, February 21 for his excellence in the field of competition, and for his enthusiasm and willingness to be involved in all aspects of the games.

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There will be plenty to keep the whole family entertained at this year’s Whittlesea Community Festival. (Supplied)

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A bigger, better festival The City of Whittlesea Community Festival is back next month and council promises it will be bigger and better than ever.

The festival will be held at at Civic Centre precinct in South Morang, from 11am-5pm on Sunday, March 19, from 11am to 5pm, and will feature live performances, free activities, art installations, market stalls, roving performers, cultural activities and much more.

This year’s event will also include a free Pet Expo, a Sustainability Lane where you can learn tips and tricks about living more sustainably, council will be announcing the recipients of the City of Whittlesea Community Awards.

Council’s chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the event promised to be a celebration of community.

“We are thrilled to be presenting such a busy and fun event to our community this year,” she said. “I am looking forward to celebrating

this year’s theme “The World Around Us” and enjoying so much of what our diverse community has to offer.

“I am also looking forward to presenting our community awards and recognising those who have gone above and beyond to make the City of Whittlesea a wonderful place to live.”

The festival will showcase a range of performers live on stage including singers Kylie Auldist and Dave Arden and jazz vocalist Fem Belling, Dream Team and many more local performers.

Festival-goers can also enjoy free local performances on stage at the Plenty Ranges Art and Convention Centre (PRACC) throughout the day.

And PRACC will also be hosting a special Community Festival performance the night before with Astrid and Otto bringing their exciting cabaret show to South Morang.

A Craigieburn man has been charged after police executed warrants on February 22, as part of an investigation into two firearms incidents in the northern suburbs. Police executed warrants in Greenvale, Coolaroo and Craigieburn in relation to the incidents, which police believe are linked. The first incident was at a property in Thomastown over two days in January, while the second incident occurred on February 10 when a 27-year-old Greenvale man presented to hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg. A 22-year-old Craigieburn man has been charged with reckless conduct endangering life, prohibited person possess firearm, possess cartridge ammunition, manner dangerous driving, drive whilst disqualified, commit indictable offence whilst on bail and contravention of bail condition.

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Daughter ‘thrilled’ by donation A Doreen local has been honoured after an international manufacturing company chose to donate $3500 to LINK Community and Transport, which helped care for the resident prior to her death.

The company, Combe Asia-Pacific, runs a yearly philanthropic giving program, and invites its staff to nominate a charity close to their hearts.

This year Alicia Demiri chose to nominate LINK in memory of her late mother Maria Dalyfor, who accessed the charity’s service for eight years.

“It’s local support networks and charities like LINK that often make the biggest difference and are of the biggest value to a person’s life when they are diagnosed with an illness,”Ms Demiri said.

“I am very grateful LINK were there to support mum and hope they are able to continue to reach more people just like her from this donation.

“I am thrilled that LINK was selected and that I was able to give LINK a cheque for [AUD $3500] to help more people in our local community.”

Ms Demiri said her mother was diagnosed with metastatic cancer eight years ago and since the diagnosis LINK “was a massive support”.

“When mum had her spinal surgery to remove cancer eight years ago, she was instantly unable to drive and lost all independence which was really tough as she was an independent woman,” she said.

“Without the lovely volunteers from LINK taking her to ongoing weekly medical appointments, and frequent grocery shopping outings, it would have been near impossible for her to get to all her treatments, and to stay positive.”

LINK’s customer relations and outings officer Naomi Darmanin said she has very fond

LINK Community and Transport managing director Dr Danny Davis with Alicia Demiri. (Supplied)

memories of Maria.

“Maria loved chatting to our volunteers when they picked her up and dropped her to her medical appointments, hospital appointments and shopping at Woolworths,” she said.

“During the COVID-19 Lockdown I spoke to Maria on a weekly basis. It was a welfare call firstly to see how she was going and secondly if she needed any assistance with shopping.

“Maria told me on multiple occasions how the LINK community, our staff and volunteers were her lifesaver. Without us, she said, she wouldn’t have been able to go shopping or attend her medical and hospital appointments, or visit her family, who were her greatest joy.

“Maria was always grateful for everything we did … I miss her.”

A spokesperson from LINK said the

generous donation will be used to increase the client amenities including, biscuits, tea/ coffee and fruit, for the LINK transit lounge in Thomastown.

“The transit lounge sees dozens of clients come through on ClubLINK outings almost every day, as well as being a meeting and staging place for LINK’s volunteer community and staff,” the spokesperson said.

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BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Advertising feature

Reclaiming the balance when you feel exhausted Whether it’s responsibilities piling up, the housework never getting done, or people in your life who need your attention, it can feel like you never have enough time.

When you’re putting the needs of others before your own it can be challenging to take time for yourself, or even realise that you need to.

Those who help out a family member or friend with disability, mental illness, age or health issues can sometimes struggle to look after their own care needs. If this sounds like you, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Finding enough time to keep on top of the housework can be tough, let alone finding any time for your own self-care or social needs.

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Caring for a loved one can often leave your own needs neglected. Let Carer Gateway help you to get back on track. (Supplied)

transport, shopping or housework.

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Emergency respite Connect with other carers

Information and advice Tailored support packages 12582506-SN09-23

8 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 February, 2023

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SAFIYAH, 5

COMMUNITY

SUMAYAH, 7

Fatimah, 7, at the weekly Chatterbox event hosted by Hume council. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 317316

Little ones enjoy the magic of literature come together to learn rhymes and read.

• Chatterbox – this program encourages children between the ages of three - five to engage in conversation and imaginative play.

• Story Time – designed to help children develop a lifelong love of reading by inviting them to listen to stories and complete craft activities.

• Bilingual Story Time – children have the opportunity to listen to stories and rhymes in both English and either Arabic, Assyrian, Punjabi, Sinhala or Turkish.

Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski stopped by the Chatterbox event to capture these pictures.

ISHAQ 5

FSA/DETS1330

Families in Hume have gathered together to celebrate the magic of literature.

The council is running a series of Story Time programs designed to support the literacy development of children up to the age of five.

The program is free and takes place across various libraries in the area, including those in Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Tullamarine, and Sunbury.

There are a variety of programs offered to families including: • Baby Bounce – enjoy gentle movements and rhymes as you introduce you child under 12 months to reading for the first time.

• Rhyme Time – children up to three years-old

Free Kinder is here!

Over the decade, we’ll also transition Four-Year-Old Kinder into Pre-Prep to become a 30-hour a week program, and establish 50 Victorian Government-owned and affordable childcare centres.

Learn more at vic.gov.au/kinder

12568968-JW09-23

Three- and Four-Year-Old Kinder is now free across Victoria at participating services — saving families up to $2,500 per year per child.

Tuesday, 28 February, 2023 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 9

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Foster carers urgently needed The search is on for more foster carers living in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

The not-for-profit Lighthouse Foundation is aiming to double its number of foster carers in the northern suburbs to provide greater support to vulnerable children and young people.

Lighthouse Foundation chief executive Eamonn McCarthy said it was the organisation’s promise to “provide our foster carers with a consistent circle of support, sense of community and the therapeutic care they need to look after some of Victoria’s most

vulnerable children”.

He said that central to that support is the organisation’s Hub Home in the north, which is purpose designed to give foster carers the help they need to provide a safe home for children in need.

“We started a trial of having foster carers use our Hub almost three years ago and we’ve found it’s critical in making them feel they’re not alone,” Dr McCarthy said.

“The hub is a place where children and their foster carers go to get help, with everything from day-today logistics like school pickups

and groceries, to training, and emotional and psychological support.

“Carers can also use the home for overnight stays, organised day activities, and as a meeting place to connect with other foster families.”

Dr McCarthy said Lighthouse’ foster carers have access to local volunteers for additional support, as well as learning and development through individual and group reflective practice, 24-7 phone support, and a team of therapeutic carers who can role model how to care for young people in the foster home.

“We know it takes a village to raise a child,

and this is key in our approach to create a sense of belonging and a community for both our foster carers and young people,” Dr McCarthy said. “There’s no typical foster carer – the only prerequisites are that you be 21 years of age or older, have a spare room, and complete background checks.

“Becoming a foster carer is a truly rewarding and life changing experience. We encourage anyone who has it in their heart to provide a loving home to someone in need, to express their interest in joining the Lighthouse Foundation community today.”

Lalor playground open The first stage in a multimillion-dollar project transforming the Whittlesea Public Gardens in Lalor into a recreational space of regional significance has been officially unveiled.

The revamped park was opened on Wednesday, February 15 by Local Government Minister Melissa Horne and Whittlesea council chair administrator Lydia Wilson, with Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny also in attendance.

Complementing the City of Whittlesea’s $2 million contribution was a matching $2 million grant from the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund program.

Council said key features of the stage one upgrade include a new playground comprising play towers, swings, slides, a flying fox, rope climbing and in-ground trampoline.

Younger users can put their bike and scooter skills to the test on a new 400-metre learn-to-ride circuit, which includes roundabouts, speed bumps, intersections and

crossings. There is also an array of new features designed to make visits to the park a safe and comfortable experience, including picnic shelters, barbecues, seating and solar lighting.

The multi-stage process to transform the Barry Road community facility into an iconic regional park was first identified in a master plan adopted by council in 2018.

Ms Wilson said the redevelopment would ensure the park meets the needs of its surrounding communities for years to come.

“The Whittlesea Public Gardens have played an important role in the lives of Lalor and Thomastown residents for decades,” Ms Wilson said.

“But this redevelopment will transform the gardens into a regionally significant space where people of all ages and abilities can come to enjoy the outdoors.”

She said stage two of the redevelopment had already secured a further $650,000 contribution from the Growing Suburbs Fund.

FREE FAMILY FUN

Melissa Horne MP, Stephan and Sarah Papadopoulos, Ameer , Bronwyn Halfpenny MP and Lydia Wilson. (Supplied)

Picnic fun at ‘Promisetown’ Pack a picnic and head to Thomastown on Saturday, March 4, for the Promisetown picnic and markets.

Organised by Thomastown Neighbourhood House (TNH), the Promisetown picnic and markets aims to bring together the Thomastown community and celebrate the suburbs’ cultural diversity.

The event will feature Nepalese and Vietnamese performances, multicultural drumming and high energy dance acts from Thomastown and Thomastown West primary schools, as well as a community dance workshop for young and old.

The market stalls will be selling handmade

crafts, trash and treasure, while there will also be a range of children’s activities including puppet making, a fairy wings workshop, face painting and a circus show.

THN manager Liz Skitch said the event’s name came from her family’s affectionate term for Thomastown.

“It’s catching on,” she said. “It’s about inspiring our community to think about Thomastown in a magical way, to fill people with hope and inspire their imagination.”

Promistown Picnic will be held at the Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre (TRAC) outdoor space, 52-54 Main Street, Thomastown, from 1pm-5pm.

The new rest area at Darebin Creek Lookout is finished.

We’ve completed the Childs Road Upgrade and we’re inviting you to celebrate with us at a free family festival. There’ll be face painting, a circus workshop and roving entertainment.

Try out the new shared use path by cycling or walking to the event.

12592143-KG09-23

When: Saturday, 4 March, 11am to 2pm Where: Darebin Creek Lookout, on the southern side of the new Darebin Creek bridge, Mill Park

5938

Drop in any time, no RSVP required.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Rhythm, 7, with performers from the Nepalese Community of Thomastown. (Damjan Janevski) 319496_01

10 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 February, 2023

FEATURING ... MY BUSINESS

Advertising feature

Taking the pressure off hospitals with in-home care It has been well documented that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has put enormous pressure on hospital staff and services, along with exposing a number of health care services that remain under strain.

One such strained service is quality aged care and disability support, with vulnerable residents facing extreme delays in receiving the healthcare and support they need.

To address this need, a local resident with a passion for making lives better has launched a home care business with a unique model to give people the care and respect they deserve, while also reconnecting with their zest for life.

Registered nurse Meridee Lawley has launched the Melbourne north branch of Nurse Next Door Home Care Services.

Meridee and her team of trained health care professionals provide people in need with the opportunity to remain living independently at home while still safely participating in the local community.

“Nurse Next Door is focused on getting Melbourne’s northern residents who require some level of care back to doing the things they love,” Meridee said.

“We want every one of our residents to live their best lives regardless of their age or ability.”

After years as a paediatric nurse, Meridee brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the homecare sector, using a model she believes will close the gap between the growing demand on the healthcare system and the shortage of accessible, quality care.

Meridee is determined to offer a service that allows all clients to receive comprehensive and timely healthcare in their own homes and on their own terms, offering everything from providing simple companionship, to 24-7 nursing.

The team at Nurse Next Door home care services are able to support you in living independently. (Supplied)

For more information contact Melbourne North Nurse Next Door Home Care Services, managing director Meridee Lawley, on 1300 600 247 or at melbournenorth@nursenextdoor.com.au

Order online now!

Toys and Costumes aussietoysonline.com.au 12592275-KG09-23

Tuesday, 28 February, 2023 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 11

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Craigieburn Festival A local favourite for over 25 years, the Craigieburn Festival returns on Saturday, March 4 from noon- 9pm at Craigieburn Anzac Park. The festival is a non-ticketed event, but council encourages you to register your interest in attending via the Eventbrite page.

■ https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Residents/ Things-to-See-and-Do/Craigieburn-Festival

Creative arts and fitness Banksia Gardens Community Services is running yoga and jewellery making classes every Tuesday.

■ 9309 8531

Craft and Conversation Craigieburn library is hosting a Wednesday weekly craft group from 1-3pm and everyone is welcome. Join the craft and conversation group and share your love of all things crafty. Bring your current project and make new friends.

■ humelibraries.vic.gov.au

Homestead Walking Group Enjoy some fresh air, beautiful gardens and meet other locals. Volunteer leaders will meet at the Homestead Community and Learning Centre at 9.30am on Wednesday’s for a 30–45 minute walk.

■ https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/ Eventbrite/Homestead-WalkingGroup-493400784027 This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Scotty So, who is part of an exhibition in Footscray. (Damjan Janevski) 320321_01

Women’s Only Swimming.

Women only swimming program provides a place where women can feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying the benefits of the pools, spa, steam room and sauna.

Sessions are held on Sundays.

■ https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Eventbrite/ Womens-Only-Swimming-BroadmeadowsAquatic-and-Leisure-Centre

Community lunch in Roxburgh Park Join the Homestead Team, along with members of the community for a free lunch and make some new friends whilst you’re at it. Lunch will be prepared by the n Turkish Women’s Association. The lunch will be held every Wednesday from 11.30am-1pm at Homestead Community and Learning Centre, 30 Whiltshire Road, Roxburgh Park.

■ www.hume.vic.gov.au/Eventbrite/ Roxburgh-Park-Homestead-Communityand-Learning-CentreWeekly-CommunityLunch-317411976767

Breast cancer support group On the first and third Tuesday of the month breast cancer survivors are invited to head along to the Gisborne Golf Club at 10.30am to take part in a breast cancer support group. There they discuss experiences, find connections and improve mental health.

■ Lesley, 0484 691 226

Village connect A new service for older people and carers provided by Macedon Ranges council for residents over 55 years old to stay socially connected, chat with others in the community and enjoy some free coffee and cake. Happening on Tuesdays and Thursday at cafes across the municipality, there’s sure to be one near you.

■ https://bit.ly/3AMUrxm, or 5422 0262

Senior citizens meet

Arts and games night

The Gladstone Park Senior Citizens Club regularly meets for games of bingo, carpet bowls and a chat over a cuppa, at the coroner of Carrick and Elmhurst drives, Gladstone Park.

■ Beulah, 0411 422 398

Get creative at the Sunbury Youth Centre as part of an art and games night each Wednesday at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 3.30- 5.30pm. There’s a range of arts and crafts to try, and if art isn’t your thing, there’s a wide variety of games. The program is for people aged 12 to 18 years old and is free. It’s at 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury.

Sunbury Police Community Register Volunteer for the Sunbury Police Community Register. Formed in 2010 as a result of the 2009 Black Friday bushfires in Victoria, the group’s mission is to make regular contact, and provide reassurance and wellbeing checks to elderly or vulnerable residents living in the Sunbury area, including those without friends or relatives. Volunteers head to the Sunbury Police Station to chat with clients.

■ 9744 8111

Carer connect chat Are you caring for someone close to you?

Go and connect with other carers in your local area, share a light lunch, have a chat at noon on the first Wednesday of the month. Head to Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, 1 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton.

■ 9744 9267, or deb.mccallum@scchc.org.au

Craft and conversation If you’re a passionate crafter and want some company, why not head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older.

■ https://bit.ly/39BIu2O 12 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 February, 2023

HarmoniX Vocal Company Get involved with an all-male, auditioned singing group happening on Thursday, 79.30pm in Sunbury. The group is inviting new members to join. The group also has a mixed choir, DynamiX Vocal Company, rehearsing Tuesday. 7-9.30pm. Both

groups rehearse at Dulap Wilim Hub, 11 Leichardt Street, Sunbury. No auditions required, just bring your love of music.

■ harmonixvcinc@gmail.com

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus Visit or become a new member of the Jackson’s Creek Combined Probus Club, gathering on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Football Club at 10am. Enjoy outings and meetings each month with a friendly group of men and women, and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins and caravans.

■ Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 9746 3402

Chill Out Sunbury Are you between 12 and 18 years old and want to engage with other young people, participate in activities such as trivia, games, art, music, competitions, personal development and more? Chill Out Sunbury is for you. It’s free and happens every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street.

■ https://bit.ly/3lmVgVh

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club Get involved with a welcoming, fun, social group of women who have spread the word of ladies badminton since 1999. Social games are on Mondays, 9.30am-noon, and team competitions are on Thursdays, 9.30am-12.30pm at Eric Boardman Stadium, Wilsons Lane.

■ sunburylbc@gmail.com

Come have a chat Delve into deeper topics and enjoy intriguing conversations by joining the Table 8 Discussion Group. The key theme for the coming months will be kindness.

The chats take place every Tuesday from 10.30-11.30am at Macedon Lounge, 40 Victoria Street, Macedon.

■ Carol, 0431 186 575

Family History and Heritage Society If you’ve got a hankering to learn more about Sunbury and even your own family

history, why not check out the Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society, meeting at 1.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Centre, 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury.

■ https://bit.ly/3jvM6oJ

Rotary club The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Sunbury Bowling Club from 7pm.

■ sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Ladies probus The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45 am. The club is based on fun, friendship and fellowship and enjoys monthly outings, an annual trip away and a lot of fun meetings.

■ Leonie, 0401 764 182

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at 9.30am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club rooms. The friendly group of women enjoy outings, film mornings, speakers and presenters, as well as special events like holidays and bus trips. New members are warmly welcomed.

■ Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142

Sunbury Combined Probus Club The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Football Social Club at 10am.

■ Carmel, 0416 477 271

Toastmasters Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Hall.

■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

PUZZLES To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

easy

9

4 3 8 2 6 3 7 3 1 2 6 2 4 5 7 5 7 8 1 2 6 4 1 7 3 1 5 8 2 7 9 medium

3 2 7 9 8 9

QUICK CROSSWORD Travelling bag (8) Cloth (6) Adhesive (5) From Oslo, eg (9) Sleeveless jacket (6) Neptune’s fork (7) Self-government (8) Chinese ethnicity (6) Uncommon event or item (6) Waterfall (8) Perfume (7) Man’s name (6) Pathological self-admirer (9) Herd (5) Long, angry speech (6) Fierce storms (8)

20 21 24 27 28 29 30

Words of the same meaning (8) Common name for the US (7) Lift (5) Compile (9) Colloquial shortening of Protestant (4) Consensus (9) Making loud and confused noise (10) Song of praise (8) Drinking vessel (7) Animal track (5) Revise and correct (4) Finish (3,2) Headland (4)

4

ACROSS 1 5 10 11 12 13 14 15 18

No. 122

6 7 8 9 14 16 17 19 22 23 25 26

DOWN Ninth month (abb) (4) Examiner (9) Small inlet (5)

1 2 3

DECODER

No. 122

4 5 1 5 4 1 6 1 9 7 2 6 8 9 5 8 7 3 9 2 5 6 1 hard

6 9

19

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21

22

23

24

25

26

3

2

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5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once.

No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

E

Today’s Aim: 16 words: Good 24 words: Very good

V

C

5 LETTERS ABLER ADAGE ADORE ATONE AVAIL AVERT BABES BEIGE BESET CACAO CACTI CANED COOEE CYCLE DELTA DENIM DONOR DOSES EAVES EDGES

T

E F

D

4 LETTERS ACHE DINE DIPS EVIL GEMS HISS IDOL POSE REST SALE SEES TACO WADE WIDE

7 LETTERS LEOTARD RENTING REPLICA RESTIVE VERSING VOLCANO

SLEWS STORM TEPEE TESTS TICKS TILDE TRILL WANTS WAVER

EERIE ERODE HEART HOURS KILOS LOUSE MATTS OBESE OLIVE OPERA OVERT POLAR RACES RADAR RAMPS REACT REARS RESTS SARIS SASSY SLEET

6 LETTERS COMBAT CONDOM REDONE SERENE

cede, cite, cited, civet, deceit, deceive, defect, DEFECTIVE, deft, device, dice, diet, dive, edict, edit, evict, evicted, fecit, feed, feet, fete, feted, fetid, five, iced, idee, teed, tide, tied, vice, vide, vied

8 LETTERS ARRESTED DERAILED ENTANGLE ETHEREAL

03-03-23

No. 122 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

E

2 6 7 8 1 9 3 5 4 1 9 8 5 4 3 6 7 2 4 3 5 2 7 6 1 8 9 7 1 4 3 6 5 2 9 8 6 2 9 7 8 4 5 3 1 5 8 3 9 2 1 7 4 6 9 7 6 1 5 8 4 2 3 8 4 2 6 3 7 9 1 5 3 5 1 4 9 2 8 6 7

E D S

N N E R

I

A S P S T H I C O O N A

R E D

S

E

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7 9 6 4 3 8 1 2 5 8 4 2 5 6 1 3 7 9 3 1 5 2 7 9 4 8 6 9 2 4 1 8 3 5 6 7 1 6 8 7 4 5 9 3 2 5 3 7 6 9 2 8 1 4 2 8 9 3 5 6 7 4 1 6 7 3 9 1 4 2 5 8 4 5 1 8 2 7 6 9 3

3 1 5 7 8 6 2 4 9 2 7 6 9 3 4 5 1 8 9 4 8 1 2 5 3 6 7 8 9 7 4 5 1 6 3 2 5 6 1 3 9 2 7 8 4 4 3 2 6 7 8 1 9 5 1 5 4 8 6 7 9 2 3 7 8 9 2 1 3 4 5 6 6 2 3 5 4 9 8 7 1

E

10 11 12 13

No. 122

5 $ 0 3 6

1

A

9

S W 18

O E

8

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

17

D

S I

N

7

16

D

6

15

S T

5

I

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

R

4

32 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

3

14

medium

2

3 LETTERS ARE ART ASH ATE BOO EGO EKE ERA EVE EYE GEE GYM HEN HOE ICY IVY KEN OPT ORE OVA RAN SIT TOW VIE

QM R L I X Y Z K P O U J

easy

1

N T D F HG C A B V E SW

3 5 4 6 4 5 1 6 5 9 9 7 4 5 8 9 2 6 4 3 2 3 1 5 1 6

WORDFIT

QUICK QUIZ

1

With regards to the university, what does RMIT stand for?

6

Which podcast won Podcast of the Year at the 2022 Australian Podcast Awards?

2

The Richter scale was developed by which US seismologist?

7

Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer (pictured) star in which US TV comedy?

3

See What You Made Me Do is a 2020 non-fiction book written by which Australian journalist?

8

Do emperor penguins live in the Arctic or Antarctica?

9

President Joe Biden was born in which US state?

4

What type of fruit was the heaviest recorded fruit, at more than 1000kg?

5

The two Australian pigeon species that have an erect crest are the crested pigeon and what other species?

10 Which city has the highest population density in the world?

ANSWERS: 1. Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology 2. Charles F. Richter 3. Jess Hill 4. Pumpkin 5. Spinifex pigeon 6. The Last Outlaws 7. Broad City 8. Antarctica 9. Pennsylvania 10. Manila (The Philippines)

No. 122

5 $ & ( 6 : $ 9 ( 5 7 , & . 6 $ ' $ * ( $ 7 2 1 ( $ 9 $ , / ' 2 1 2 5 ' ( / 7 $ & < & / ( $ 5 ( ( . ( & $ & $ 2 7 2: : $ 1 7 6 + , 6 6 5 ( ' 2 1 ( 5 ( 1 7 , 1 * + 2 ( 3 2 6 ( , ' 2 / % $ % ( 6 6 $ / ( ( 7 + ( 5 ( $ / 2 3 7 5 ( 6 7 , 9 ( / ( 2 7 $ 5 ' $ 5 5 ( 6 7 ( ' ' , 1 ( * ( ( 5 $ 0 3 6 ( 9 , / 5 ( 6 7 ( < ( 5 ( 3 / , & $ $ & + ( 5 ( $ 5 6 & 2 1 ' 2 0 % 2 2 6 $ 5 , 6 * < 0 2 9 $ / 2 8 6 ( 2 / , 9 ( % ( 6 ( 7 ' ( 1 , 0 $ 9 ( 5 7 ( ( 5 , ( ( ' * ( 6 7 ( 6 7 6 5 ( 6 7 6

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 28 February, 2023 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 13

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N

Hopes for a pet ‘miracle’

Second Chance Animal is appealing for support Rescue (SCAR) House for Pets program to keep its Safe The program provides running. for the pets of owners temporary care as victims of domesti facing challenges c and family violence.

SCAR chief executiv Debattista said the e Marisa program allowed owners to find safe, permanent housing without worrying about their animals.

“We safely house the escaping violent situationpets of people s and look after these animals while their owners seek safe refuge,” she said.

“Once they have secured permane nt safe housing we reunite “The tears and look them. owners’ faces when of pure joy on they are reunited with their pets again time is just incredib after a traumatic le.”

Ms Debattista said SCAR received calls daily asking for struggling to make help, but that it was ends the program’s continua meet, putting She said SCAR was tion at risk. “looking for a miracle” to keep the refuge Details: secondchancean open. imarescue. com.au

260172_02 (Damjan Janevski)

Pick up your favourite local newspaper, the Northern Star Weekly from local outlets listed below or subscribe to our digital edition and have it sent to your device every fortnight.

SIG N U P N O W !

MARISA DEBATT

ISTA WITH LEXINGT

ON

50-metre pool a reality

Michaela Meade

By Michaela Meade

issue in the commun ity, with plans presente The Whittlesea to the former council community will Financial forecasti multiple times in 2019. d be able to dive into a ng at the time revealed Councillors initially 50-metr god-awful political opted to develop the centre would cost $80.3 million, with Whittlesea council e pool from 2025, business nonsense, it’s glorious including see our cases for a centre a $55.7 million 50-metr finally endorsing to with and without group of competition-leng th e pool, compared a 25-metre pool. a $75.6 million, pool to inside two years appointed administrators – including a $51 million for the Mernda Sports as its preferred option – do exactly what the The decision resulted 25-metre elected pool.

Hub. previous council couldn’t in in community After numerous reports backlash, with residents 10 years.”

A report tabled at council Mr Hogan said calling for a 50-metr last two years, Whittles to council over the pool to be last Tuesday stated e the overall leisure, included. ea’s administrators development” to have it was an “amazing voted last Tuesday aquatics and sports At the time, the the night to include a facility court would cost over $113 council said it couldn’t Chair administrator project promised.

50-metre afford pool in the new sports million.

Lydia Wilson said a 50-metre pool.

Extend the Pool in precinct. it was the “most Mernda The Mernda Sports significa campaig Then, in Decemb nt” infrastructure n leader project Ryan Hogan said Hub on Plenty Road the administrators he would “believe will house leisure, council’s administratorser, 2020, Whittlesea can swim it when I upon. would ever resolve aquatics and sports it”. resolved to investiga facilities. court two new te designs for “Build it and they “It is a legacy will swim,” he said.

The aquatic centre 25-metre pool and the centre – one with a “After years upon has been a contenti the other with a 50-metr importance to the project of paramount ous pool.

Whittlesea commun e Whittlesea demand years of the people of Ms ity,” Wilson said. “This proposal … will be and being told ‘we’ll ing this development benefit a to children, families look into it’ and and older people some of all backgro unds.”

Find us on Faceboo k www.westgartht own.org.au

12523923-JW49-21

ZIEBELL’S FARM HOUSE MUSEUM & HERIT AGE GARDENS

This local gem tells the story of the establish 1850s, now Thomast ment of Westgar own and Lalor. See thtown in the along with 70 more, our first rose planted many other plants, in the 1860s heritage buildings and exhibitions.

Cnr Gardenia Drive & Ainwick Cres, Thomastown Sunday 11.30 am–3 pm Tuesday 11:30 am–2 pm Adults $3 Children 50 cents

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Broadmeadows Country Supermarket 7 Olsen Place Broadmeadows IGA Friendly Supermarket 10 Olsen Place Broadmeadows Broadmeadows Newsagency 21 Olsen Place Broadmeadows Milk Bar - Broadmeadows 23 Olsen Place Broadmeadows Broadmeadows Central SC 1099 Pascoe Vale Road Broadmeadows Coles Supermarket 1099-1169 Pascoe Vale Road Broadmeadows Woolworths Supermarket 1099-1169 Pascoe Vale Road Broadmeadows Phil - Asian Grocery Business 16 Railway Crescent Bundoora Foodworks Bundoora 1 Andrew Place Bundoora Andrews Place Milk Bar 4 Andrew Place Bundoora Frank Milk Bar 19 Balaka Place Bundoora Good & More Asian Grocery 6/42 Copernicus Crescent Bundoora Bundoora Fruit Market, Uni Hill Town Centre, Janefield Drive Bundoora Mr Asian Grocer 1 Janefield Drive Bundoora Uni Factory Outlets 2 Janefield Drive Bundoora Uni Hill Town Centre 5 Janefield Drive Bundoora RMIT Campus Store Building 202 Level 2, Plenty Road Bundoora Gugu Asian Grocery 3803/43 Plenty Road Bundoora Woolworths Supermarket 69-85 Plenty Road Bunndora Shell Service Station 127-133 Plenty Road Bundoora Coles Supermarket Summerhill 850 Plenty Road Bundoora Caltex Woolworths Service Station 959-969 Plenty Road Bundoora BP Service Station 1050 Plenty Road Bundoora Polaris 3083 Shopping Centre 1056 Plenty Road Bundoora Woolworths Polaris Cnr Plenty Rd & Nain Drive Bundoora Coles Supermarket Bundoora Sq SC Settlement Rd

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Campbellfield Chris and Marie’s 1477 Sydney Road Campbellfield Barry Road Milk Bar 331 Barry Road Coolaroo Meadow Heights Newsagency Shop 16, 55 Paringa Boulevard Coolaroo Melba Vale Country Club 1390 Pascoe Vale Road Craigieburn Craigieburn Convenience Store 19 Bank Street Craigieburn Hume City Council 75-95 Central Park Avenue Craigieburn Coles Service Station 42-44 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Connections - Craigieburn 59 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre 340 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Harry Brown Liquor G03/420-440 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn The Foodary Caltex 420-440 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Freshplus Craigieburn 420-440 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Woolworths Supermarket 10 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Coles Supermarket Cnr Craigieburn Rd & Windrock Craigieburn Woolworths Supermarket Cnr Craigieburn Rd & Aitken Rd Craigieburn Quality Food Store Cnr Craigieburn Rd & Aitken Rd Craigieburn Milk Bar Store 100 Fairways Boulevard Craigieburn Nanak Indian Grocery Highlands SC 300 Grand Boulevard Craigieburn Woolworths Supermarket 300 Highlands SC Grand Boulevard Craigieburn Highlands News & Lotto 300 HighlandsSC Grand Boulevard Craigieburn Hothlyn Drive Milk Bar Hothlyn Drive Craigieburn Foodworks 130-132 Hothlyn Drive Craigieburn Caltex - now Ampol 315 Hume Highway Craigieburn Metro Petroluem 330 Hume Highway Craigieburn IGA Xpress Grand Boulevard 27-29 Princes Circuit Craigieburn Moey’s Milk Bar 2 Smeaton Court Doreen TSG Riverstone Convenience Cafe Shop 1/121 Elation Boulevard Doreen Laurimar Centre Newsagency Shop 8, 95 Hazel Glen Drive Doreen Woolworths Supermarket 95 95 Hazel Glen Drive

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Doreen Doreen General Store 920 Yan Yean Road Epping Foodworks 10/351 Dalton Road Epping Pacific Epping Shopping Centre 571-583 High Street Epping The Groove Train 571-583 High Street Epping IGA Plus Liquor 1/53 McDonalds Road Epping Greenbrook Milk Bar 2/53 McDonalds Road Gladstone Park Gladstone Park SC 8-34 Gladstone Park Drive Glenroy Pascoe Vale Road Market 815 Pascoe Vale Road Glenroy Glenroy Newsagency 773 Pascoe Vale Drive Greenvale Coles Supermarket 1-11 Greenvale Drive Greenvale Greenvale Newsagency Shop 4, 1 -11 Greenvale Drive Lalor Woolworths Supermarket Hurtle Street Lalor Lalor Library 2A May Road Lalor Dandy Mart 17-19 May Road Lalor No 1 Fruit Market 37 May Road Lalor Coles Supermarket 47-71 May Road Lalor Lalor Plaza Newsagency Shop 22, 17 McKimmies Road Lalor Lalor Plaza Shopping Centre McKimmies Road Lalor Coles Supermarket Lalor SC Cnr McKimmies Road & Darebin Drive Lalor Santino Continental Grocery 296 Station Street Lalor Afghan Supermarket 322 Station Street Lalor Everfresh Fruit Market 346 Station Street Mernda Coles Mernda Mernda Junction SC Cnr Plenty Rd & Bridge Inn Rd Mernda Riverdale General Store 33 Riverdale Boulevard Mernda Mernda Post Office 50 Mernda Village Drive & Galloway Drive Mernda Woolworths Supermarket Mernda Village Drive & Galloway Drive Mill Park Centenary Drive Milk Bar 147 Centenary Drive Mill Park 7 - Eleven Mill Park 252 Childs Rd & Morang Dr Mill Park The Stables Shopping Centre Childs Road Mill Park Grenda Milk Bar Grenda Drive Mill Park Coles Supermarket McDonalds Road Mill Park Westfield Plenty Valley 415 McDonalds Road Mill Park Shriji Supermarket 522 Plenty Road Mill Park Woolworths Shop 8/538 Plenty Road

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Mill Park Rivergum Village Shopping Centre 538 Plenty Road Mill Park Woolworths Supermarket Cnr Redleap Ave & Childs Rd Roxburgh Park Woolworths Supermarket Somerton Road Roxburgh Park Coles @ Roxburgh Village SC 250 Somerton Rd Roxburgh Park South Morang South Morang Milk Bar 15 Gorge Road South Morang Westfield Plenty Valley SC 415 McDonalds Road South Morang North City Accountants 7/545 McDonalds Road South Morang Coles Supermarket Mill Park Lakes, The Lakes Boulevard Thomastown Foodworks 126 Alexander Ave Thomastown Caltex Thomastown Cnr Dalton Road & Wood St Thomastown Thomastown News & Lotto 223 High Street Thomastown Thomastown Library 52 Main Street Thomastown BP Service Station 72 Keon Parade Thomastown APCO Service Station 228-234 Settlement Road Thomastown Shell Service Station 27 Cnr Spencer St & Dalton Rd West Meadows Shell Petrol Station West Meadows 36 Fawkner Street West Meadows The Old Broadie Milkbar 40 Fawkner Street West Meadows Claudio’s IGA Supermarket 12-23 Fawkner Street West Meadows Caltex Petrol Station - West Meadows 227 Mickleham Road Whittlesea Whittlesea Bakery 34 Church Street Whittlesea NewsXpress Whittlesea 45 Church Street Whittlesea Whittlesea Courthouse Information Centre 74 Church Street Whittlesea IGA Supermarket - Whittlesea Shop 2, 22 Church Street University Hill Coles Supermarket Uni Hill 224 Plenty Road University Hill Wollert Wollert Post Office 491 Epping Road Also available from Real Estate Agents everywhere

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Address: Monopole - 38 Trade Park Dr MELBOURNE AIRPORT VIC 3045 Reference: M0063 Tullamarine North 1. The proposed works include the addition of new 4G & 5G equipment and associated works including the replacement of 3 existing (4G) panel antennas (less than 2.8m long); the installation of 6 new 5G active antenna unit (AAU) (less than 0.9m long); the installation of 6 existing remote radio units (RRUs); and ancillary equipment including but not limited to new mounts, GPS antenna, mast head amplifiers, cable tray, fibre and electrical cabling.

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4. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Reinier Hanekom (Plan Consult Town Planning), 0754306632, Suit 6-10, 28 Eenie Crk Road, Noosaville, 4566 or info@planconsult.com.au by 5 pm on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

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ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number.

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9462 2077 Craigieburn Secondary College is looking for teachers for the 2023 school year.

Full and part time work is available in the following method areas: English • Humanities • Maths Science • Vocational and applied learning Applicants must have a current VIT registration

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Conundrum Holdings is seeking multiple full-time employees for our new Wallan Concrete plant. We offer great conditions, modern equipment and above award wages.

• Managing all employees, contractors and capital plant on site. Applicable tertiary qualifications and previous experience is essential.

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Batch Plant Operator • Batching premixed concrete orders using COMMAND batch software, accepting, setting up and dispatching customer orders.

Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria has received the following application to issue a development licence which permits prescribed development activity.

Acquos Pty Ltd ė ĐŪĘĐ KÎ º§ ΠΧæ Ň ºË ´´ċ ´ d( ēĐĖđ

Agitator Operator

Acquos Pty Ltd proposes to expand its existing facility at 70-80 Premier Drive, ºË ´´ċ ´ d( ēĐĖđŌ W¥ §´§Øí º ² Ò ç Ø ÎŪ Ò Ň Îí´§ ºÝ´Ò§Á»Ň » Î Ū §ÒË ÎÒ§ ´ ËÁ´íº Î ËÁç ÎÒŌ W¥ ìË »Ò§Á» 秴´ §» Î Ò §ØÒ ËÎÁ Ý Ø§Á» Ë §Øí ÎÁº đĐŇĐĐĐ ØÁ ēĐŇĐĐĐ ØÁ»» Ò Ë Î í ÎŌ

• Operate a concrete agitator truck to deliver pre-mixed concrete to our customer sites (HR licence required).

A copy of this application and related documentation, can be downloaded from engage.vic.gov.au/epa-development-licence-applications. Anyone may, within đĕ ÝÒ§» ÒÒ íÒ Á Ø¥ Ø Á æ ÎØ§Ò º »ØŇ Áºº »Ø §» çΧا»¡ Á» Ø¥ ËË´§ اÁ»Ō ¥ Ë ÎÒÁ» ç¥Á º ² Ò ÒÝ º§ÒÒ§Á» ÁÝØ Ø¥ ËË´§ اÁ» ÁΠإ æ ´Á˺ »Ø ´§ » 秴´ »Áاċ ç§Ø¥§» ċæ ÝÒ§» ÒÒ íÒ § K § Ò ØÁ §ÒÒÝ æ ´Á˺ »Ø ´§ » Ō

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New Seltos has a chunky shape that’s at the forefront of small SUV design. (PIctures: Supplied)

Kia Seltos is easy on the eye

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring Seltos is the second smallest model in Kia’s SUV range, sitting above the compact Stonic and below the Sportage. It competes against vehicles such as the MG ZS, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30 and Mitsubishi ASX. Originally launched here in late 2019 Seltos received a major upgrade in November 2022 with exterior and interior changes, safety improvements, new tech features, plus extra power and a new transmission for the top-spec model.

The changes do come at a price with increases of at least $2200 across the range, although they can probably be justified.

As before Seltos is available in four grades: S, Sport, Sport+ and GT Line. All get the previous 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that drives the front wheels, while Sport+ and GT-Line are also available with a tweaked version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine along with all-wheel drive.

Styling To our eyes Seltos is one of the best-looking vehicles in its class, with the chunky style that’s fashionable in current SUVs. There’s a large grille with mesh fill, an array of lights built to the side and stylish lower area that has a solid look thanks to the expansion at the corners.

At the rear there’s a central light-bar across the top of the tail gate that expands the visual appearance of the Seltos.

All models get alloy wheels, 16-inch with the Seltos S, 17-inch on the Sport and Sport+ and 18-inch under the GT-Line.

Also standard are body-coloured folding side mirrors, roof rails and a rear spoiler.

Only the GT-Line gets LED head and tail lights, the others have to make do with halogens.

Other features specific to the GT-Line are a gloss black mech grille, satin silver beltline, powered tailgate and tilt and slide sunroof.

There’s a good range of colours, with nine in total, including a couple of eye-catching two-tone finishes.

Engines / transmissions All four Seltos variants come with a four-cylinder 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle naturally-aspirated engine that’s carried over from the previous model. It produces 110 kW and 180 Nm at 4500 rpm coupled with a continuously variable transmission.

Combined fuel consumption is listed at 6.9L/100km.

So, no change there. The big improvement comes from the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol available with Sport+ and GT-Line where power increases 16 kW to 146 kW with an unchanged 265 Nm of torque. Claimed fuel consumption is 7.4L/100km.

The previous dual-clutch automatic transmission mated to the 1.6 engine has been replaced by an eight-speed torque converter auto that supplies drive to all four wheels through an on-demand AWD system.

Safety Kia Seltos comes with an impressive list of advanced safety features including rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, blind spot collision avoidance, driver inattention alert, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, with impact-sensing automatic door unlocking.

In addition, all models get downhill brake control, front and rear parking sensors and two Isofix child seat anchor points.

Another very useful feature is Safe Exit Alert which warns if a vehicle is passing within a distance that could impact your doors.

Infotainment Entry-level Seltos S comes with an 8.0-inch LCD infotainment touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard and a 4.2-inch driver information screen behind the steering wheel.

The set-up in the three other models is much more attractive and functional with a pair of 10.25-inch screens embedded within a single panel that dominates the centre of the dashboard.

The instrument panel can be configured to the driver’s taste to control or monitor numerous features.

New to MY22 Seltos Sport, Sport+ and Gt-Line is Kia Connect, a smartphone-based system that offers a wide range of digital features including the ability to remotely lock and unlock doors, start the engine, activate and adjust air conditioning, set satellite navigation destinations and display vehicle diagnostic information.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard although, oddly enough, they are wireless in the Seltos S but wired in the three higher-spec’d models. Our contact at Kia Australia explains the absence of satnav in S allowed wireless charging to be fitted but prevented it in the others.

Driving Our test vehicle was the Seltos Sport+ with the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and new eight-speed torque-convertor automatic.

The first thing we noticed on take-off was how much smoother it was compared to the previous seven-speed dual-clutch system.

The upgraded 146kW engine has plenty of punch with minimal turbo lag off the line.

The steering feel is excellent and really does signal to the driver what is happening at the front of the car. Multiple changes of direction on a twisting country road are made with ease.

It’s a neat little car to ride in and is generally as smooth and quiet as cars of this size around town. However, it creates quite a racket on some motorway concrete surfaces and isn’t overly happy on country roads that are in poor condition.

As with all Kia models in Australia, the ride and handling characteristics of the car have been optimised to provide the experience Australian drivers have come to expect.

Summing up Kia has been steadily moving up the Australian sales ladder and now sits in a career-best third position. While it’s still relatively new, Seltos

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE S 2.0 FWD: $29,500 Sport 2.0 FWD: $32,700 Sport+ 2.0 FWD: $35,800 GT-Line 2.0 FWD: $41,500 Sport+ 1.6 AWD: $39,300 GT Line 1.6 AWD: $44,900 SPECIFICATIONS Kia Seltos GT-Line 1.6-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Kia dealer for drive-away prices.

already accounts for around 11 per cent of company sales.

The recent refresher keeps it right up there with the best in a highly-competitive market segment.

Tuesday, 28 February, 2023 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 17

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Excitement building as Upfield looks for success Upfield is confident it is up for the challenge in the FV state league 1 north-west competition.

Having been promoted after winning state league 2 north-west last season, Upfield president Wally Hanna said there was plenty of excitement about the club.

“State league 1 is the highest that we have ever been,” he said.

“We’re the second highest team in the municipality and we want to keep pushing up the ranks and pushing [Hume] council to upgrade our facilities.

“The success of our senior sides has seen our junior numbers grow. We now have more juniors than seniors.”

Hanna said their senior side would be very different looking to the team that won the state league 2 north-west title last season.

He said while they wanted to add some fresh faces, rule changes meant they had to look to bring in others.

“We’ve got about 10 new players,” he said.

“Last year we had a lot of players on visas, this year the requirements are clubs can only have four and the rest have to be local players.

Upfield is hoping to build on last year (Supplied)

“We’ve signed some good players from the NPL [National Premier League]. We’ve signed players from Heidelberg United, Northcote, Manningham City. Quality players that a lot of

programs are after them.”

Hanna said it hadn’t been the easiest pre-season with their ground not ready and having to train elsewhere

He said on field they have big expectations, while still keeping the community feel at the club.

“The squad is looking good and we should be strong this year,” he said.

“We are looking at the top four, top two. We want to be an NPL side.

“If we can get promoted this year, we’ll be an NPL side which is good. We want to have a junior NPL program as well.”

Upfield’s first official match will be this weekend as it faces Hoppers Crossing in the third round of the Australia Cup. After a deep run last year in the competition, Hanna is keen to see a repeat.

“We played Hoppers Crossing two weeks ago in a friendly, winning 2-0.”

Meanwhile in other round three matches, Hume United has been drawn to face the Doncaster Rovers, while Greenvale United is hoping to continue its run against North Melbourne Athletic.

Epping City enters the competition with a match against Rosebud, while Whittlesea United will face Albion Rovers and Lalor United will play Monash City Village.

Sports shorts NFL Whittlesea has welcomed back Matt Dornauf for this year’s Northern Football League division 1 season.

Dornauf is a two-time premiership player at the Eagles and a past club senior best and fairest winner. “Matt has had a few years away from the Nest, playing at Echuca and Essendon VFL,” the club said on social media.

“With a wealth of experience, Matt will be a great addition to our midfield in terms of skills and leadership.

Welcome back Matt, we can’t wait to see you back in the blue and gold.”

VNL The Victorian Netball League is set to expand next year as part of changes to the competition.

Netball Victoria announced the new structure on Tuesday ahead of the next five-year licensing period for the competition, between 2024-2028.

Up to 12 licenses will be offered, up from the current 10, including up to three outside of metropolitan Melbourne. The new-look VNL will also reduce from three to two divisions, championship and 23 and under aligning with all other state league competitions in Australia.

James Bonnici (Luke Hemer)

NPL

Kookas ready for finals

By Tara Murray The real stuff begins now for Rivergum in the North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield.

The Kookas finished the regular season with the minor premiership, finishing ahead of Holy Trinity on percentage.

Having made the last 11 grand finals, it’s this time of season that the playing group really looks forward to.

Kookas captain-coach Matthew Perri they had all been waiting for this time of the season.

“It has been good and we got top spot which is important to get a home final as well,” he said.

“Both us and Holy Trinity have only lost one game for the year, so percentage was really important for us.

“The real stuff now starts for us. We’ll look to up our game now, we’ve lost the last two grand finals and the guys are pretty determined.”

On Saturday the Kookas easily accounted for Donath.

The Kookas made 3-244 from their 40 overs 18 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 28 February, 2023

with James Bonnici top scoring with 83 not out and Matthew Kiely making 78 at the top of the order.

The Kookas then bowled Donath out for 82.

Sean Neary took 4-15 off his eight overs.

Perri said it turned out to be an easy game which allowed them to rest some of their bowlers with one eye on finals.

He said it was good for Kiely and Bonnici to get some more time in the middle.

“Matt has made runs all year,” he said.

“James has only played four games this year and made about 160-170 and in great form.

“He’s an experienced players and pretty determined to have a big finals series.”

Perri said they had players in form with both the bat and ball which is what they wanted at this time of the season.

He highlighted Neary was one of the key bowlers who had been getting the job done.

A grand final spot will be on the line this Saturday in the semi final with Holy Trinity.

The loser will play in the preliminary final

and face the winner of Preston Baseballers and Northern Socials.

Perri said making sure they got that double chance, which they had done quite easily, had been one of their big focuses heading into the season.

He said he’s expecting a tough match in the semi final.

“They’ve had a really good year,” he said.

“It was a really tight contest the first time we played and we lost by two runs. The return match we won by nine wickets, which gave us some confidence.

“Having a home final is massive as Holy Trinity’s ground is a lot smaller than ours, hopefully plays into our hands.”

The Kookas third and fourth XI have also made finals, while their second XI missed out.

Perri said the achievement of the third XI to play finals was massive.

“They’re playing against most clubs second XI,” he said. “Hopefully they can make a grand final.”

Hume City made it a second straight draw to start the National Premier League season. Heidelberg United scored late in the first half to take the lead on Friday night. Dylan McGlade’s first goal for Hume levelled the scores in the second half. Neither team could find a winner, with a the final score 1-1.

VTCA Westmeadows has already conceded first innings points in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division. Facing Deer Park, the Warriors were bowled out for just 70.

The Lions finished day one at 6-73.

Craigieburn made 181 against Druids in its match. Josh Eaton top scored with 79 not out. The Eagles need a win and other results to go their way to play finals.

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Eagles are aiming high buoyed by new recruits The Craigieburn Eagles are setting the bar high in the Big V women’s division 1 competition.

After finishing bottom with four wins last season, the Eagles have recruited well in the off season and will enter this year with a new team.

Coach Andrew Seidel said things were a lot better than 12 months ago when he was struggling to get a team together.

“We’ve managed to get an import and we’ve recruited a damn good side,” he said.

“We need to have some success at the club.”

After not having an import for a number of seasons, the Eagles have signed American Courtney Strait.

Seidel said the two parties had been in contact for a couple of years and things had finally fallen into place.

“We reached out two years ago and we

Craigieburn’s division 1 women’s side. (Supplied)

weren’t able to get it done,” he said.

“She was going to go to Spain this year but didn’t get the paperwork across and she reached back out and I spoke with the club.

“She brings a wealth of experience having played in Germany, the UK and Spain. She

brings an immense amount of experience and talent to the club.” Strait arrived in the country a couple of weeks ago and has already been on court in a couple of practice matches.

Joining her on court is Ellen Cox, who comes from the Waverley Falcons and Myra Wood, who comes from Southern Peninsula, both state championship sides.

Seidel said they wanted to add a bit of higher level experience to the group.

Three girls Seidel previously coached in youth league at the Sunbury Jets have also come across.

Alana Ellis, Molly Young and Adele Rogers are keen to test themselves at division 1 level.

Rounding out the side are some players from last season’s squad and Craigieburn juniors.

Carley Cranston, who won the youth

league one most valuable player last season will play just seniors this season.

Seidel said they were looking forward to seeing what she can do.

“It’s about her understanding that she doesn’t have to be the main point scorer every week,” he said.

“We just want her to slot into the women’s program and do her bit. We don’t need superstars, we just need everyone to play their role and it falls into place.”

Seidel said the team had their sights on playing in state championship.

“We’re setting the bar high,” he said. “We played Sunbury in a practice match and they beat us on the buzzer.

“We know where we need to go and it should hold us in good stead this year.”

Tara Murray

Lalor ready to perform well

Westmeadows’ women’s side (VTCA)

The Warriors fall short

By Tara Murray Westmeadows is aiming to come back bigger and better next season after falling short in its attempt of a fourth straight premiership.

The Warriors entered the Victorian Turf Cricket Association women’s grand final on Sunday as favourites, having gone through the regular season undefeated.

The Warriors were tested by Burnside Springs in their semi final, but got the job done to win through to the grand final.

In a rematch of last season’s grand final, it was Caroline Springs that managed to turn the table and get its first women’s premiership.

The Falcons put out a strong performance with the bat, with some big hitting pushing the score to 5-141.

Caitlin Pretty top scored with 90 not out for the Falcons.

For the Warriors, Caetlyn Twentyman took two wickets, while Emily Finlay bowled tightly finishing with 1-9 off her four overs.

Last season’s competition best and fairest winner, Natalie Scott was out early for the Warriors, before collapse saw the side go from 1-25 to 4-26.

The side never recovered as they lost frequent wickets, including two in an over, restricted to 9-76.

De’arne Devereux-Arena top scored with 22 as only three players reached double figures for the Warriors Warriors captain Sammi Cutajar said the Falcons were just the better team on the day.

“Well deserved … we knew we had a challenge and it was a good game,” she said.

“We didn’t come home with the chocolates, but for me everyone stood up this season and we still came home with the win. [It] this season is still a win in our eyes.

“I’m one proud captain.”

Cutajar said they knew they had to get the wicket of Pretty to give them the best chance of winning, but weren’t able to find a way to get her out.

She said then losing wickets in clumps when they were batting proved costly.

“We don’t like that, but it is what it is,” she said. “It’s one of those games and Caroline Springs came away with the win.”

The grand final appearance continues the Warriors success since forming the women’s program.

The club has won two VTCA women’s premierships, a North West Metropolitan Cricket Association premiership and a Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket premiership in a short period of time.

The club’s women’s third XI will play off in a grand final this Saturday in the NWMCA women’s division 6 competition. Cutajar said she was proud of the whole program.

“All of us are proud of each other and how we’ve all come along. This is our sixth season playing in a grand final, it’s a great achievement for the club. I’m super proud of the club and bring on next year.

“I’m already ready to get back to training.”

Things are looking up at Lalor ahead of the Northern Football League division 3 season.

After a winless season in 2022, after just one the season before, things have been tough for the Bloods.

But an influx of players, who will strengthen both their seniors and reserves sides, has coach Ange Lamanna excited.

“It has been really good,” he said. “It’s been really busy.

“I think we’ve attracted a lot of mates of mates to come across. I don’t know how that has happened.

“We struggled off field, but people want to come to the club, it’s a great achievement by everyone.”

Lamanna said one of the key things they had been keen to implement was a good environment that people want to be part of He said there had been at least 12 to 14 players joining the club, with at least half likely to feature in their senior side.

He said he would get a bit more of an idea once the club has intra club and practice matches.

“The guys have come in and given some fresh air to the environment,” he said.

“There’s a really good vibe around the place. People can come in and enjoy themselves, have a lot of fun, but also work hard.

“The new guys have come on board with a good attitude and want to play footy.”

Lamanna said the new guys had been good for the existing playing group as well. Having been blown away in most of their matches last year, Lamanna said they weren’t setting massive goals heading into the season.

He said he doesn’t have any preconceived ideas on what they can achieve this year.

“We want to win games of footy,” he said. “We want to be competitive for longer periods and be competitive in every game.”

The Bloods are set to have their first intra club match on Wednesday night, before a number of practice matches.

They will start their season on April 15 against Fitzroy Stars.

Tara Murray Tuesday, 28 February, 2023 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 19

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